An iconic paved road to Furkajoch in the Austrian Alps
Austria, europe
29 km
1,761 m
hard
Year-round
# Furkajoch: A Scenic Alpine Adventure
Want to experience some serious Alpine drama? The Furkajoch is calling your name. Perched at 1,761 meters (5,778 ft), this mountain pass cuts right through Vorarlberg, Austria's westernmost state, connecting the Bregenzer Ach valley with the Frutz River valley.
The 29-kilometer (18-mile) journey runs west to east, starting in Rankweil (the second-largest town in the Feldkirch district) and winding up in Damüls—a snow-lover's paradise and official "snowiest village in the world" since 2006. Trust us, this place gets *buried* in winter.
The L51 is fully paved, which is great, but don't let that fool you. This road gets steep and narrow in places, keeping you on your toes around every hairpin turn. Plus, you'll want to keep an eye out for rockslides along the way. Winter driving? Forget about it—the pass closes seasonally because Mother Nature doesn't mess around up here.
If you're chasing stunning Alpine scenery and don't mind a bit of white-knuckle driving, the Furkajoch delivers both in spades. Just hit it during the warmer months when the pass is actually open, and you're in for an unforgettable ride.
Where is it?
An iconic paved road to Furkajoch in the Austrian Alps is located in Austria (europe). Coordinates: 47.0138, 12.9794
Road Details
- Country
- Austria
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 29 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,761 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0138, 12.9794
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Alto de Lubián?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure awaits in Zamora, Spain! Let's talk about Alto de Lubián, a mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,681 meters. You'll find it in the Castile and León region, way up north. The road? Think winding and narrow, all paved but with a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Oh, and it gets steep – some sections clock in at over 13%! It’s known locally as Camino del Cañizo, and at the top, you're rewarded with a wind farm and some killer views. If you're up for a cycling challenge, this is your spot. Starting from the ZA-106, it's a 10.3 km climb gaining 671 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.51%, so be prepared to work those legs! Get ready for some beautiful scenery and a proper workout.
moderateWhere is Col de Rousset?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Col de Rousset is like stepping into a postcard from Provence, only you’re in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region within the Vercors Regional Natural Park! This beauty sits in the Drôme department of France, high above sea level. The real story here? The epic tunnel, carved out between 1861 and 1866, connecting Die and Vercors. You'll be rolling along the D518, usually in tip-top shape with clear markings. Expect switchbacks, they're part of the fun, but nothing too crazy with gradients peaking around 7-8%. You'll share the road with cyclists aplenty. This 28.5 km (17.70 miles) ride, runs north-south, starting from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors where the Tour de France frequently ascends. The climb from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors gains 464 meters, with an average of 3.3% to the summit. From La Chapelle-en-Vercors the climb adds 530 meters, averaging 4.7% gradient. Once you hit the curves, get ready for views! Expect an explosion of colours and landscapes as you wind your way up. The summit? Pure magic. Panoramic vistas over the Diois valley and the foothills of Drôme await. And don't miss the chance to cross the ridge into the ski resort where more turns lead you down to the hamlet of Les Roussets. Whether you're on two wheels or four, this is a must-do!
moderateHow long is the F208 (Fjallabaksleið nyrðri) Road?
🇮🇸 Iceland
F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri, is one of Iceland's real off-road adventures! This totally unpaved track winds through the Central Highlands for 102 km (63 miles), connecting F26 (Sprengisandsleið) in the north to Route 1 in the south, near Grafarkirkja. Word to the wise: 4x4 vehicles only! This isn't a drive for your rental sedan. This route is usually open from June to October, but Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Closures are common due to flooding, especially after rain, as the route involves fording a dozen or so rivers. Glacial rivers swell as the day progresses, so plan accordingly. Expect a bumpy ride with potholes, rocks, and uneven terrain. Despite the challenges, F208 is absolutely worth it. The road serves up incredible views of volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. The ever-changing landscapes and vivid colors will leave you breathless. Set aside 3-4 hours to soak it all in (without stops).
hardWhere is Lago Miserin?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Aosta Valley, Italy, itching for a high-altitude adventure. Head to Lago Miserin, one of the highest lakes in Italy, nestled way up in the upper Champorcher Valley. This beauty sits within reach of both Mont Avic Regional Park and Gran Paradiso National Park, so you know the scenery is epic. You'll find a cute mountain hut (Rifugio Misérin) and the Santuario Madonna delle Nevi (Our Lady of the Snow) up there, too – the highest sanctuary in Europe! Legend says this spot was chosen because a Virgin Mary statue kept magically returning to the area. Today, the sanctuary is gorgeous, filled with historical art. But, let's talk about getting there. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing a whopping 1,164 meters, averaging an 8.13% gradient! The first bit is paved, lulling you into a false sense of security. Then BAM! It turns into a dirt track, often covered in rocks. 4x4 is pretty much a must for most of it. Beyond the parking lot, it gets even wilder. The last 4km is a seriously rugged dirt track to the right of the refuge, and is closed to private vehicles. We're talking short, steep sections with surfaces that'll make you sweat – even cyclists might have to hop off and push. Some parts of the route even follow the old Royal Hunting Road. Heads up: this road is totally snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly!